Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation
Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation maintains strong assets and zero officer compensation, indicating efficient operations.
EIN: 133339941 · Evergreen, CO · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation Legit?
Appears Legitimate
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation
Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation (EIN: 133339941) is a nonprofit organization based in Evergreen, CO. The organization reported total revenue of $2.1M and total assets of $10.4M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 40 years, with 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -7.8%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $932K |
| Total Expenses | $1.1M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-203,022 |
| Total Assets | $9.5M |
| Total Liabilities | $1 |
| Net Assets | $9.5M |
| Operating Margin | -21.8% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 0.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 100.6 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation reported a deficit of $203K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 100.6 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 0.0% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 10 years of filings (2011–2023), Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.8%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -11.7% | -8.3% | -3.1% |
| 2022 | -29.8% | +2.9% | -1.8% |
| 2021 | -8.8% | +6.1% | +2.9% |
| 2020 | +51.8% | +5.0% | +5.6% |
| 2019 | +82.4% | +78.2% | +5.0% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1986 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation with a Mission Score of 95 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 10%
- programs: 90%
- fundraising: 0%
According to IRS 990 filings, Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 0%. With 90% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $203K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is consistently reported at 0% across all filings, indicating that no salaries are paid to officers, which is highly unusual and suggests a volunteer-led or very lean operational structure for a foundation of its size.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation:
- Consistent 0% officer compensation, indicating high efficiency.
- Strong and growing asset base, from $6.3M in 2011 to over $10M currently.
- Very low liabilities, demonstrating strong financial health.
- Consistent IRS 990 filings over a decade, indicating good transparency.
- Expenses generally managed well relative to revenue, ensuring sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation
Is Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation (EIN: 133339941) appears legitimate. Mission Score: 95/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
How does Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation spend its money?
Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation tax-deductible?
Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 133339941). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is the Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation a good charity?
Based on the provided financial data, the Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation appears to be a very good charity. It demonstrates strong financial health with growing assets, very low liabilities, and exceptionally efficient operations with 0% officer compensation.
How does the foundation manage its administrative costs?
The foundation manages its administrative costs exceptionally well, as evidenced by 0% officer compensation reported across all 10 filings. This suggests that a very high proportion of its expenses are likely directed towards its charitable activities rather than executive salaries.
What is the trend in the foundation's assets?
The foundation's assets have shown a consistent upward trend over the past decade, growing from $6,337,258 in 2011 to $10,434,126 currently, indicating strong financial growth and stability.
Does the foundation have significant liabilities?
No, the foundation consistently reports very low liabilities, often as low as $1 or $3,000 in recent years, indicating a very healthy balance sheet and minimal financial risk.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:
Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation's revenue has declined by 62.3%, moving from $2.5M to $932K. Total assets increased by 50.2% over the same period, from $6.3M to $9.5M. Total functional expenses rose by 108.3%, from $545K to $1.1M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation reported a deficit of $203K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $1 in liabilities against $9.5M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%), resulting in net assets of $9.5M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $932K | $1.1M | $9.5M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $1.1M | $1.2M | $9.8M | $3K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $1.5M | $1.2M | $10.0M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $1.6M | $1.1M | $9.7M | $1 | — | — |
| 2019 | $1.1M | $1.1M | $9.2M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $596K | $606K | $8.8M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $1.4M | $718K | $8.8M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $725K | $695K | $8.2M | $110K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $1.8M | $732K | $7.6M | $15K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $2.5M | $545K | $6.3M | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $932K, expenses of $1.1M, and assets of $9.5M (revenue -11.7% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $1.2M, and assets of $9.8M (revenue -29.8% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $1.5M, expenses of $1.2M, and assets of $10.0M (revenue -8.8% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $1.6M, expenses of $1.1M, and assets of $9.7M (revenue +51.8% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $1.1M, and assets of $9.2M (revenue +82.4% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $596K, expenses of $606K, and assets of $8.8M (revenue -57.9% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $1.4M, expenses of $718K, and assets of $8.8M (revenue +95.3% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $725K, expenses of $695K, and assets of $8.2M (revenue -59.4% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $1.8M, expenses of $732K, and assets of $7.6M (revenue -27.8% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $2.5M, expenses of $545K, and assets of $6.3M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Marion Esser Kaufmann Foundation is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.